* * *
The strains of music wafted through the crowded rooms of the Queen’s House abuzz with talk and laughter. Jewels sparkled in the candlelight and feathers trembled in the air; fans fluttered in gloved hands, all was movement and colour from the sheen of silk and satin and the glitter of dress uniforms covered in gold epaulettes, with huge flower arrangements everywhere.
Julia caught sight of Princess Elizabeth’s dresser weeping copious tears with her friend, Mrs Stroud. Obviously, the prospect of life in Germany held little appeal there. Further on, she caught the eye of the Honourable Philip Stratton, equerry to the Queen.
He had arrived at Court three years ago, the younger son of an earl known to be in financial difficulties. He’d obtained the position in order to advance his career, for unless he married an heiress, he was totally without funds.
Despite his handsome face and charming manner, with only an Honourable before his name, no ambitious mother would consider Philip a suitable match for her daughter. His kindness, consideration and affability had made him a charming companion and very popular at Court. Julia could not deny the tenderness she felt for him, hard as she fought it, knowing there could be no future for them.
Nevertheless, time spent with him had brought joy to her heart even if at night her pillow had been soaked with tears, but she had faced each day with a smile, and determined not to let the world know how she suffered. That he too was caused pain was obvious by the anguish in his blue eyes and the strained features of his noble countenance.
His handsome face broke into a smile for her while he continued listening politely to the dronings of a middle-aged general beside him. Her heart missed a beat and she shivered in spite of the heat. Was she not apprehensive at what life would hold for her in the village of Winchelsea, despite her brave demeanour?
A youthful page appeared before her.
‘Miss Farraday, the Princess Augusta would be pleased if you could attend her for a moment.’
‘Of course, Mr Lane,’ Julia smiled at the cheerful page.
He was one of her favourites who was always obliging when he was in waiting. With a faint sigh, she retraced her steps and went forward to do her duty for what would almost certainly be the last time.
Princess Augusta gave Julia a welcoming smile as she curtsied to her.
‘Ah, Julia. Would you be able to assist Princess Sophia? Her lady, Mrs Blair, is unwell and my sister would like you to attend her when she retires.’
‘Of course, Your Royal Highness,’ answered Julia quietly.
‘Thank you, Julia. Oh, how my sister, the Princess of Hesse-Homberg, is going to miss you,’ Princess Augusta sighed. ‘For that matter, we all will,’ she added with a wan smile.
Discreetly, Julia made her way over to the settee where the Princess Sophia was talking to the American Ambassador. She glanced around the room at the colourful scene before her.
Her face lit up as Philip Stratton made his way through the guests to her side. With a broad smile he whispered to her, ‘Well, Miss Farraday, our Royal bride and her groom make a happy couple, do they not?’
Looking into his deep blue eyes, Julia nodded her assent. Princess Elizabeth and her husband were deep in conversation with one of their guests and their faces radiated a happiness Julia had not often seen in royal circles since her time at Court.
Through her lashes she observed Philip’s familiar features and thought again with a pang, how much she was going to miss his presence in her life. Tightening the grip on her fan, Julia forced herself to stem the tears which were so close to the surface, and smiled valiantly at the assembled throng.
‘I certainly hope to be able to visit you in Sussex when I call upon my aunt, Lady Furnbridge, at Hastings,’ said Philip Stratton, looking at her earnestly.
Julia felt a glow of pleasure. ‘Why yes, of course. That would be most delightful.’
His face relaxed into a smile as the rotund Duke of York, who had given the bride away when the Prince Regent had been unable to attend owing to a severe attack of gout, passed by with the Duchess of Rutland. The Duchess was positively simpering at the Duke’s attention. Philip and Julia looked at each other, suppressing conspiratorial grins.
Julia caught Princess Sophia’s eye, which said ‘Rescue me. I’ve had enough.’
Turning to Philip she said gently, ‘I do hope you are able to visit my great uncle and myself at Winchelsea, Mr Stratton. It really would be a pleasure,’ and she hoped she kept the longing out of her voice.
‘I promise you, Miss Farraday, I will do so,’ he answered seriously, as he bowed over her hand.
‘I must attend the Princess Sophia,’ Julia said quietly, and, excusing herself, crossed over to the delicate Princess. With consummate tact she managed to extricate the Princess, allowing the Ambassador to withdraw in good humour.
Assisting the Princess with her lace shawl as she arose, Julia waited as Princess Elizabeth came over and joined her sister, to make sure she was quite comfortable.
The bride gave Julia a grateful smile and announced she was about to retire to change for her honeymoon, and together Princess Sophia and Julia followed her out of the reception room. As they did so, Julia managed to catch Philip’s eye for one last smile, thinking to herself that this would be the last royal occasion she would attend, and tomorrow a whole new chapter in her life would begin.